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R E C E N T U P D AT E S
Amherst, NH
SPRING
First Sign of Spring
F
by Cliff Ann Wales
For years the first sure sign of spring for me was opening day at Fenway Park. It meant the days were longer, warmer and late spring snowstorms were in the rearview mirror. With Patriots Day on the 18th of April and the BAA Marathon to follow, I could feel spring in the air.
Not this year! The new norm is suspensions, cancellations and postponements. Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on spring events. As a community we have turned all our efforts to combating the virus, staying healthy by social distancing and protecting our vulnerable groups. Vigilance is the new norm. So, I turn to fickle mother nature and she doesn’t fail us. Yes, she dropped 6 inches of “poor man’s fertilizer” on us last week, but it melts fast with the warm sun rays. I found a forsythia bush blooming in a parking lot. I had forgotten how beautiful that small but bright yellow flower looked after a long winter. Spring bulbs are up and tree pollen is in the air. Yippee!
Chair Yoga with Michelle o…
Clark-Wilkins Dance Chall…
Amherst School Teachers in the at-home "Dance Challenge" during the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis
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ACC & ARPD Combine to Buy Golf Course
Town Clerk's Window is Open for Business
AMHERST – The former Buckmeadow Golf Course includes 40± acres plus 17 acres of easement from neighboring condominiums...
AMHERST – To limit exposure during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the walkup window has limited hours and services offered. Call us...
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Dr. Joseph Raczek
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SCHOOLS
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Mike Berry Selected New SHS Principal
Garden Club to Host May 7th Webinar
School Update from SAU's Adam Steel
The Oldest Homes in Amherst
AMHERST – “…an experienced, successful high school principal with an extensive track record that demonstrates putting students first…”
AMHERST – "Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes" will likely be held online, but closed to the public. Details on the AGC website...
AMHERST – Our school districts have experienced unprecedented change since March. Students and staff met the transition to remote learning
AMHERST – Historian Katrina Holman goes outside the Village and researches homes built before 1760. Pick up your laptop or mobile device and enjoy ...
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Thank You for Isolating &
Amherst Town Library Closed
Souhegan High Senior Receives
Sheltering in Place ...
Until Further Notice – Now Has At-Home Activities ...
DAR Good Citizens Award ...
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What's Up in The Children's Room During Stay-At-Home 2020 AMHERST – We can still have lots of fun while we practice social distancing! Watch our Storytime series on YouTUBE, join a book club on ZOOM, be a Minecrafter on Facebook, mega opportunities await us online ... READ MORE
HISTORIC AMHERST
The Oldest Homes in Amherst – Part 2: Outside the Village AMHERST – Historian Katrina Holman extensively researched and prepared over a dozen stories of homes built before 1760. Population exploded from 14 to 35 families in the Souhegan West area... READ MORE
C O N S E R VA T I O N
Buckmeadow Golf Course Now Under Conservation Control AMHERST – The former golf course includes forested wetlands, ponds, grasslands and extensive open space on which hiking trails and recreational playing fields may be developed ... READ MORE
TOWN NEWS
Town of Amherst Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic AMHERST – The Amherst Town Library Board of Trustees made the decision to close until further notice along with other department heads taking steps to protect the public and staff ... READ MORE
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Town of Amherst Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Town Hall Interior is now locked. Call the Department you seek. Dropbox available at front entryway for convenience.
Temporary walkup/ramp to window at Town Clerk’s Office. Please call 603-673-6041 x203 or 208 before arrival or conduct business online.
AMHERST, N.H. – Friday, April 3, 2020 PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE NOTICE FOR INFORMATION TO ALL TOWN BUSINESS – CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Amherst Town Library The Library Board of Trustees has made the decision to close the library until further notice. It is our duty to do all that we can to prevent the spread of illness in our town. The closing takes effect immediately and will be in place as long as the situation makes the closure necessary. Even though the building is closed there are still plenty of ways to take advantage of the library’s services. Please take a look at the options here: http://www.amherstlibrary.org/UseYourLibrary24-7#overlay-context=
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS Public safety (Fire, Police, Ambulance) will continue their respective operations with due caution.
Amherst Police Department 603-673-4900 First and foremost, the Amherst Police Department would like the residents of Amherst to know that our Communication Center and full staff of Amherst Police Officers remain vigilant and committed to the welfare and safety of our town in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. With that goal in mind, the police station lobby remains open 24/7 for emergency, walk-in requests for service. However, residents are kindly asked to report all non-emergency requests for service or police advice via telephone to our non-emergency line @ 673-4900. An officer will promptly return your call and handle your complaint remotely whenever possible. However, if some level of non-emergency police response is necessary, then be assured that an officer will respond in person. Of course, the 911 system remains fully operational for reporting any emergency situation which requires immediate fire, medical, or police response. Beginning March 16th, requests for residential burn permits are to be made via telephone as well to the Communications Center @ 673-4900. No need to come down to the police station in person…just give your information to the dispatcher over the phone, and make sure to call in as usual @ 673-4900 on any day that you plan to burn. With uninterrupted police services in mind, the agency also instituted last week several minor, internal procedural changes to help minimize Covid-19 contact and advancement. Those changes, combined with a few sensible modifications to our lobby access and response practices will help to ensure effective and steady police and emergency services in the weeks ahead. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not
Unless a face-to-face transaction is absolutely necessary, it is strongly requested that residents utilize online services for Town Clerk business: • Vehicle registration - https://www.eb2gov.com/scripts/eb2gov.dll/EReg/Main?towncode=602 • Dog licenses - https://www.eb2gov.com/scripts/eb2gov.dll/Dogs/Main? towncode=602 • Request vital records - https://www.eb2gov.com/scripts/eb2gov.dll/EPay/Main? towncode=602&source=VR Elizabeth Bielecki, Director of Motor Vehicles, has issued the following statement: “As concern for the health and well-being of employees, customers, and communities that we serve grows, I know that many of you are considering closing your offices to outside traffic. We are encouraging DMV customers to take advantage of online services and are directing them to your municipal websites for online service options you may offer. Some towns are focusing on renewals by mail or have provided drop off options.” For new transactions, the Governor has authorized us to extend all temporary plates issued after 3/1 until April 30, 2020. We want to thank you for your patience during this time and are available to answer any questions.
O!ce of Community Development 603-673-6041, Ext. 206, 204, 214, 215 The Office of Community Development is open for appointments only. Again it is strongly requested that unless face-to-face transactions are absolutely necessary, anyone needing service from the Planning and Zoning Department, the Division of Building and Code Enforcement or any other committees served by the department, utilize the online services: • For FORMS, PERMITS, and FEES SCHEDULE – https://www.amherstnh.gov/community-development-office/pages/formspermits-fees • For BUILDING DEPARTMENT PERMIT REQUESTS - https://amherstnh.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(3e45gs0wibxk3cbok5 gxgbbi))/SupportHome.aspx?sSessionID= Be advised that a Temporary Field Inspection Policy is currently in place for all building inspections: (Click here for Offical Policy Notice) • All building inspections must be scheduled directly with the Inspector by calling 603-673-6041 x 214 • All Unoccupied and exterior building inspections will continue as usual, providing proper precautions - social distancing is observed. • Any Occupied building inspections will be evaluated on a case-bycase basis to determine viability and necessity, in order to protect the public and municipal staff. • A minimum of a 48-hour request is required to schedule inspections. Assessing & Tax Collector’s Office The Assessing & The Tax Collector’s office is open for business by appointment only, however, again, it is strongly recommended that unless it is necessary for face-to-face transactions, please call the office for information at 603-673-6041, extensions 202, 201 respectively. • ASSESSING FORMS (Credits, Exemptions, Abatement Applications & Forms) can be accessed - https://www.amherstnh.gov/assessing/pages/credits-exemptionsabatement-applications-forms • TAX PAYMENTS are accepted online and can be made - https://www.eb2gov.com/EB2Gov.dll/TownLaunch?towncode=2602
TOWN OF AMHERST ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, by appointment only. Housed on the second floor of the town hall, this includes, the Town Administrator, Dr. Dean Shankle, the Finance Department and the Executive Assistant. Please avoid visiting these offices, if possible, and call for business – 603-673-6041: • Town Administrator, Dr. Shankle extension 209 • Executive Assistant, Mary Guild extension 210 • Finance Director, Cheryl Eastman extension 213
hesitate to call us at 673-4900. Also, if you need to reach any of our agency’s personnel directly via email, the “Department Roster” on the Amherst Police Department’s webpage (found at www.amherstnh.gov) contains email hyperlinks to every employee. Thank you for your understanding, and please know that we remain committed to providing the highest possible level of service to our community…no matter what the situation.
•
Finance Office Assistant, Pat Walz extension 212
Recreation Department 603-673-6248
• Building is closed to the public, fire prevention tours or gatherings outside the building are suspended. • Drive up / walk in medical calls will be handled with the ambulance and crew going out of the building to meet them. • Some fire service calls may be handled with a phone call prior to going to a residence (faulty smoke or carbon monoxide detectors) where the solution may be handled by the occupant with our guidance. • Looking to put on a fourth provider (FF/EMT) in the absence of one of us F/T employees having to deal with child care and the ability to get the second ambulance out after officer hours end for the day. This in particular where the primary ambulance and crew may need to be decontaminated upon returning to the station. This can take some time to do and I want us to be prepared for that additional emergency call coming in. • Burn Permits will either be handled over the phone or through the on line system through the state of which I will be setting up with the Division of Forest and Lands. It is of the utmost importance to keep this virus out of the fire station. Inevitably, we’ll come into contact with a patient that has signs of the virus and we must adhere to the guidance from the CDC and our own protocols to keep our employees protected from it.
Calling the Recreation office for business is the preferred communication method at this time. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, 03.31.2020, ALL PLAYGROUNDS IN AMHERST WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. THIS INCLUDES BIRCH PARK DISC GOLF COURSE. All recreation programs are canceled or postponed until at least April 3rd For any classes that have already started, we will be offering a prorated refund or account credit for that program. Some exercise classes are being run electronically by the instructor. Participants will be receiving communication from the program instructor in the coming days. Any program with a start date of after April 3rd is still on as scheduled, this date is subject to change. If Amherst Schools are closed, ALL indoor recreational facilities will be closed as well. We encourage everyone to utilize our outdoor parks, town hiking trails and sports facilities. • Please follow social distancing guidelines. • Please note these areas are not cleaned or sterilized and you are using them at your own risk. The Amherst Recreation Department will be posting a weekly newsletter of activates for all ages and families to do within the suggested CDC guidelines. The ARD will also be posting daily exercise offerings, scavenger hunts and other fun videos to get us all through these times. Recreation Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am – 4pm Phone Number: 673-6248
TOWN HALL 603-673-6041
AMHERST TRANSFER STATION
THE TOWN HALL INTERIOR IS NOW LOCKED. PLEASE CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, SEE DEPARTMENT EXTENSIONS HERE. A DROP BOX HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE FRONT ENTRYWAY FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. Due to the current CoVID-19 situation and to protect all our staff on site, all of our offices are currently limiting direct contact with the public. Please call ahead to make sure your needs can be served On March 16, 2020, NH Governor Christopher Sununu issued executive order #2 in response to the COVID-19 crisis, limiting public gatherings: https://www.amherstnh.gov/sites/amherstnh/files/news/executive_order_20 20-04.pdf
Recycling is suspended at the Transfer Station until the Covid-19 social distancing restrictions are lifted. Transfer Station Notice 3/27/2020 2pm To support social distancing at the transfer station, DPW has marked out 4 dedicated parking spots for the trash compactors. They are designated with barricades/cones/barrels and we have divided the trash bins into a left and right side. There are two parking spots per side. Except for: Recycling, Still Good Shed and Book Swap the remainder of the transfer station functions remain in operation. If things change, we will continue to provide updates via this Facebook page and the DPW and Transfer Station webpages. At this time we will continue with our ‘pay as you throw’ items: Tires, Electronics, Propane Tanks, Freon Appliances and Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris. At this time we will continue accepting brush and leaves and used oil. Please be mindful of your distancing. At an emergency meeting of the Souhegan Regional Landfill District (SRLD) meeting recently, the board discussed Covid-19 and exposures for our residents and staff. A measure that will reduce resident/resident and resident/staff closeness is to suspend recycling. The board unanimously passed a motion supporting this action, with implementation up to each of the 4 towns - Amherst, Brookline, Hollis and Mont Vernon. At the Amherst BOS emergency Covid-19 meeting held this past Monday, incrementally increasing Covid-19 measures for the transfer station were discussed and unanimously supported by the BOS. DPW plans to lift this suspension as soon as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. DPW recognizes that each household has unique circumstances and that some recycling material cannot be kept for sanitary decay or storage space reasons; however if your household is desires and is able to safely store some of these materials, feel free to do so for future recycling. Thank you for your patience and understanding. All meetings for the month of March are cancelled except the Board of Selectmen meetings.
Amherst Fire Department 603-673-1545
Town Clerk’s O!ce 603-673-6041, x203 or 208
TUESDAY OFFICE HOURS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE A WALK-UP WINDOW HAS BEEN INSTALLED FOR TOWN CLERK BUSINESS. PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT, AND TO BE SURE THERE IS SOMEONE AVAILABLE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS. IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS IN LINE, PLEASE KEEP DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 6 FEET BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS. In an effort to slow down the spread of Corona virus and due to Federal and State emergency declarations, we need to limit the number of people in the Town Hall at the same time. Therefore, the Town Clerk’s window will only be open for new registrations and transfers by appointment. Please renew your motor vehicle registrations and dog licenses online or by mail. You may also call and we can process them over the phone with a credit card. The Governor has authorized the extension of all temporary plates issued after March 1st to go through April 30th. If you need to come in for any reason please call ahead and leave a message if we don’t pick up. For those needing to come in because you need to pay cash, just let us know ahead of time. If you stop by there will be a lock box in the lobby where you can deposit your renewal notice for autos and dogs and we will process them promptly. Please call ahead of time if you need to come in for a notary or a marriage license. Obviously these must be done in person. Certified copies of birth, death, and marriages can be requested online, by mail, or over the phone with a credit card. If you have any questions, please call our office at 603-673-6041 x 203 or 208 or email us at ndemers@amherstnh.gov or lfucci@amherstnh.gov.
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PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY! NOTE: The Amherst Town Clerk’s service window was installed by Rich Ray and Rick Keyes from the DPW and is ready for business. We still encourage citizens to renew online, by mail, or over the phone but if you need to transact business in person please call ahead of time. Our hours are 9AM-3PM Monday - Friday or earlier by appointment. Tuesday evening hours are suspended until further notice.
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Amherst Town Library AMHERST TOWN LIBRARY Amy Lapointe, Library Director 14 Main St., Amherst NH 03031 Phone 673-2288 Fax 672-6063 email: library@amherstlibrary.org web http://www.amherstlibrary.org
LIBRARY IS CLOSED DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS
As you can well imagine, the Friends of the Amherst Library’s trip to the Peabody Essex Museum has been cancelled.
Amherst Town Library Children’s Room
What’s Up in The Children’s Room During Stay-At-Home 2020 During these weeks of social distancing, we are working hard to think of ways to keep in touch with our patrons, who all mean so much to us. With that in mind, and with the knowledge that children feel most secure when they are continuing with their predictable routines, we are offering video versions of our library programming. We do so with the full knowledge that we have neither the equipment nor the experience to create professional-grade videos! Please forgive our many mistakes, and take these videos in the spirit in which they’re offered---as a way to connect with our wonderful patrons until we can sit together at the library again. We miss you all, and can’t wait until that day arrives… Access our videos at the following link: http://www.amherstlibrary.org/childrens-room/online-storytime-links Family Storytime: Miss Sarah tries to upload a new episode on Tuesday mornings, and you can access any of the episodes we’ve already shown at any time by following the link. Little Listeners: Miss Sarah tries to upload a new episode on Thursday mornings, and you can access any of the episodes we’ve already shown at any time by following the link. S.T.E.A.M. Storytime: Miss Lisa is uploading video instructions for some of her most popular S.T.E.A.M. projects. Follow along and make your own---it’s fun! She tries to upload a new project on Wednesdays, and you can access any of the videos we’ve already shown at any time by following the link. *At the time we were all asked to practice social distancing, Miss Sarah was at work recording some of her children’s music. Although none of the tracks have been fully polished, she thought she’d make a few of them available for listening---just to keep in touch in another way! Look for the links on the Storytime page, and have a listen!
Miss Sarah entertains children during online Storytimes on YouTUBE.
BOOK CLUBS While we practice social distancing, we will be getting together via ZOOM meetings. These will be held at the usual time, although the dates will be a bit flexible: Families Read Together for kids and their parents (grades 3-4) Our April meeting will be held at 6:30pm on Wednesday, April 22. The book we will be discussing is “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. If you don’t own a copy of the book, it is available as an ebook via your library Hoopla account. If you would like to join us, and are not on Miss Sarah’s regular mailing list for this event, please email her at shydorn@amherstlibrary.org.
MINECRAFT CLUB (ages 7-14) While we practice social distancing, we will be connecting as Minecrafters via the Amherst Town Library Facebook page. Miss Sarah has created a special Minecraft Group, and hopes you’ll all be posting to it! Each week she will set you all a Minecraft Challenge---spend some time completing it, and when you’re done doing something really cool, take a screen shot, and post it to the group, where we can all take a look--Don’t forget to post a picture (with first name only) when you’re finished. Join the Amherst Town Library Minecraft Club on Facebook.
STAY-AT-HOME FUN LINKS AND MORE
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Now that we’ve had some time to get used the idea of staying at home for awhile, we are feeling almost overwhelmed with the online opportunities we’ve been made aware of. With that in mind, we’d like to offer you a sampling of some of the countless resources that are out there, and encourage you to share these and other great ideas with each other. We’d also like to remind you that this is actually a great opportunity for kids to get outdoors, and for them to have a chance to get bored---for it’s in those moments of boredom that your child finds an opportunity to create their own fun! Find these resources on our website at the following link: http://www.amherstlibrary.org/childrens-room/stay-home-fun-links-more What’s up for tweens and teens? Follow this link to the library TEEN SPACE, where you’ll find some booklists to keep you reading along with some fun and interesting links… http://www.amherstlibrary.org/teen-space/blog
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Conservation
Amherst Acquires Former Buckmeadow Golf Course
The Amherst Conservation Commission (ACC) and Amherst Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) combined forces and funds to complete the acquisition of the former Buckmeadow Golf Course on March 31st. Recognizing the conservation and recreation potential of the property, the ACC and ARPD initiated discussions with the Board of Selectmen and the owner’s representatives in December 2019 resulting in a purchase and sale agreement in late January 2020. Legal review, environmental assessment and water testing were all completed in February and March in order to conclude the acquisition. The property, lying between Route 101A, Veterans Rd., and Stearns Rd., occupies approximately 40 acres and includes an additional 17 acres of permanent easement from the neighboring Buck Meadow condominiums (see attached map). The former golf course includes forested wetlands, ponds, grasslands and extensive open space on which hiking trails and recreational playing fields may be developed. This property abuts the ACC’s Currier conservation land to the west and overlies the largest and most transmissive stratified drift aquifer in the Town. Additionally, the former golf clubhouse and associated parking area offers space for indoor recreation classes and meetings for seniors. In March, the ACC and ARPD met with residents of the neighboring condominiums to discuss plans for the property and to understand any concerns with the proposed acquisition. The Amherst Board of Selectmen sponsored two public hearings in March to take commentary on the proposed purchase, before approving it on March 30th. Funding to acquire the property came from the ACC’s Conservation Fund and the ARPD’s Revolving Fund. These two Funds are derived from Land Use Change Taxes (LUCT) and recreation fees, respectively, therefore, the purchase of this land had no direct tax impact on Amherst residents.
The ACC and ARPD have much work to do to transition the former golf course to a resource that all Town residents, including the wildlife, can use for both passive and active recreation. More details concerning plans for the property’s reuse will be forthcoming in the next several months. In the meantime, Amherst has added an important asset to its inventory of conservation, recreation and open space lands for all the Town to enjoy.
A Book Review By Bruce B. Beckley To other dinosaurs who may still read the printed word. I have been reading The Secret Wisdom of Nature by Peter Wohlleben. The theme of the book is “the extraordinary balance of all living things”. For example: One chapter, titled Salmon in Trees, traces the interconnections between ocean-bred Chinook Salmon to the bears along the natal rivers and thence to the health of the riverside Sitka Spruce. Using the nitrogen isotope N-14 acquired by the salmon during their ocean tenure, scientists have used core boring samples taken from venerable spruce to recreate the history of salmon runs centuries ago. In Germany where the large trees were turned to timber in centuries past, core borings from those timbers now in Medieval structures still tell the story of early European salmon migrations. The author concludes: The network of nature is too diverse to ever fit between the covers of a book, which means I needed to to choose particularly impressive example and connect them so that readers could see the big picture. It is more important to me to state the facts so that people can understand them emotionally. And then I can lead them on a full sensory tour of nature, because that way I can communicate one thing above all – the joy our fellow creatures and their secrets can bring us.
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Historic Amherst Historic Amherst
The Oldest Houses in Amherst
Part 2: Outside the Village
BY KATRINA HOLMAN About a dozen houses built before 1760 survive in Amherst outside of the Village. If one also counts ells that are older than their main house, then there may be at least three more. For virtually all of these, the actual date of construction is now unknown. Any date attributed to an old house is generally meant to be the earliest possible construction date – but ought to be based on actual documentary evidence, such as deeds proving ownership of that particular lot and evidence of residency of its first owner-occupant. Even with evidence of residency and land ownership, the house could be later if the family initially lived in a log cabin or stayed with neighbors or in-town relatives before constructing their frame house. In 1741, there were only 14 families in Souhegan West; by May 1747, there were 35 settled families, “about 58 men aged 16 and upwards.” Keep in mind that this included present-day Milford and Mont Vernon, so not all were in today’s Amherst. The house of Samuel Lamson, famed first settler of Souhegan West, a short distance south of the Village at 244 Boston Post Road was covered in Part 1 in last month’s issue. Amherst gained its land south of Souhegan River in 1770 when Monson was dismembered; for purposes of counting oldest houses remaining in Amherst, two under consideration were built in Monson. Built circa 1745 Interestingly, my research turned up only 3 houses dating from 1740s among those still standing: 1 Smith Lane: Cape built by/for Benjamin Wilkins (wife Lydia), whose purchase deed was not recorded but who was a resident of S. W. in Jan. 1748 when he wrote petition to Masonian Proprietors; and is shown owning this land in 1755 (abutter deed, Hillsboro’ County 12:321). Ben sold 120-acre farm with “house” in 1763. 5 Old Manchester Road: House built by/for Andrew Seetown aka Seaton, whose second wife Margaret Wood (married 1741 when he was a resident of Boxford and she of
44 Stearns Road: Cape built circa 1751 by/for Isaac Farwell, yeoman, who in April 1751 bought 100a in Monson on the south bank of Souhegan River
2 Thornton Ferry Road2: Cape built circa 1750, before April 1752 when Ebenezer Weston (Sr., b. 1702; wife Mehitable) of Reading, cooper, bought 103a “with the buildings” (Provincial N. H. deed 78:442). Ebenezer Sr. & Jr. were both resident taxpayers of Amherst in 1760. It was the second generation here, Ebenezer Weston Jr. (17311805), physician, who split off 6 ThFRd2 farm with another house in 1791 to his son, Ebenezer 3d, and in 1801 son Daniel (1774-1818), yeoman, got smaller 2 ThFRd2 farm that his father was still living on. 16 Thornton Ferry Rd2: House built after June 1752 when William Odell (Sr., d. 1812 aged 85; wife Phebe) of Reading, husbandman, bought 47.75a on Souhegan River (Hillsboro’ Co. deed 5:84). Two-story with center chimney. He was resident taxpayer of Amherst in 1760. 44 Stearns Road: Cape built circa 1751 by/for Isaac Farwell, yeoman, who in April 1751
382 Boston Post Road: Oldest part of house built circa 1755 by/for Nathan Kendall (Jr., 1726-1791; wife Rebecca), whose father, Nathan Kendall “of Litchfield”, taylor, bought the land (145a on north side of Souhegan River) in 1750 (Provincial N.H. deed 68:327). The son was a resident by July 1756 when Pa granted him 75a (Hillsboro’ Co. deed 2:382) and kept a tavern here (licensed by new county court in 1771). However, the main part of big two-story house dates from circa 1800, built by/for Timothy Kendall (1770-1827; wife Esther) as a tavern-inn (first license Jan. 1802). 14 Green Road: House built c. 1755 and c. 1814. Oldest part of house built by/for John Washer (Sr., 1716-1783) & wife Hannah nee Wilkins (d. 1808), who arrived in S. W. after birth and/or baptism of sixth child in Middleton, Mass., in Aug. 1750. John’s purchase deed was not recorded, but he was resident taxpayer of Amherst in 1760. Main two-story part built 1813/4 by Loea Pratt (1785-1875), carpenter
Topsfield, Mass.) inherited right to land from her Narranganset soldier father. Andrew signed 1747 petition as S. W. resident. Two-story with center chimney could be later (say c. 1750) if Andrew & Peggy first stayed with John & Ismenia across the road. 10 Old Manchester Road: Cape built by/for John Seetown/ Seaton (Jr., 1724-1793), cordwainer (shoemaker), who was Andrew’s nephew but also son-in-law, because as a resident of Andover, Mass., John had married his first cousin Ismenia in Oct. 1744. The newlyweds must have moved to S. W. immediately, even though there is no recorded deed for John’s land ownership then (but much land in this Walnut Hill area was owned by one Seaton or another, not all residents), because their ten children were born in S. W. starting in 1744. John signed 1747 petition as S. W. resident.
Built in 1750s
20 Walnut Hill Road: Cape built circa 1755 by/for Samuel Seetowne aka Seaton, who was a resident of Andover in 1750 when he bought 3d Division Lot 75 from his brother James of Andover.
20 Walnut Hill Road: Cape built circa 1755 by/for Samuel Seetowne aka Seaton, who was a resident of Andover in 1750 when he bought 3d Division Lot 75 from his brother James of Andover (Hillsboro’ Co. deed 2:434). Sam likely initially lived with his brother John & cousin Ismenia, or Uncle Andrew, while he cleared his land because he didn’t marry until Dec. 1756, in Andover, Ruth Smith, which would have been motivation for building a house.
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bought 100a in Monson on the south bank of Souhegan River for 100 Pounds (Provincial N.H. deed 51:224). Farwell resided on this farm by May 1755 (Prov. deed 51:223). In 1766, Farwell sold “farm I now live on” with buildings for 300 Pounds. 302 Route 101: Cape built circa 1755 by/for Andrew Bixbe (b. 1723, Boxford, Mass.), husbandman. He was one of the earliest settlers, having arrived in S. W. as early as 1745, but he bought this land in January 1753 (Provincial N.H. deed 53:386); and by 1766 had made his homestead here (Prov. deed 86:32, mortgage). In 1770, Hezekiah Lovejoy (Jr., 1729-1793), another early settler, having arrived by 1751, bought this land with buildings from Bixbe (Prov. deed 101:115) and kept a tavern on this site. 232 Boston Post Road: Built c. 1751 by/for Robert Read as tavern. See Part 1. 324 Boston Post Road: House built circa 1758 by Timothy Smith (Sr., 1729-1798; m. 1751), housewright, who was a resident of Reading, Mass., in March 1754 when first bought land in S. W. (Provincial N.H. deed 94:33) and when children were born there in 1754 and 1756. Birth of daughter Rebecca in S. W. in Aug. 1759 is first evidence that family had settled here. Tim’s will (drawn May 1788) mentioned his “new house” so maybe the twostory was built a bit later. (This is the “Robert Frost Slept Here House”– in the summer of 1885 when Robbie was 11.) Older Ell 328 Boston Post Road: William Melendy of Reading, cooper, bought this land (2d Div. Lot 6) in June 1754 (Hillsboro’ Co. deed 2:449); he was a resident by 1759 (Masonian Proprietors’ quitclaim deed). It’s likely that the oldest part of the house, ell, dates c. 1755, and that the large two-story main part was built a bit later.
and housewright, who was a resident of Reading, Mass., in April 1813 when he bought former Washer farm on Christian Hill with seven deeds from the heirs; Loea married girl-nextdoor Lucy Hartshorn in Dec. 1814. Aka Bertha Rogers House. Puzzle 107 Ponemah Road: Built either c. 1757 or c. 1795. Archelaus Towne (1734-1779) commenced tavern-keeping on this site, when it belonged to town of Monson, soon after his first marriage in 1757, and the last 12 years (1758 to 1770) of Monson town meetings were held in his tavern. His house was still a tavern after this area was annexed to Amherst (tavern license by new county court in 1771). He sold in 1777 (deed 4:216). In 1785, David Danforth (Jr., 1752-1827) of Chelmsford, Mass., blacksmith, bought the farm (deed 15:116). Danforth became innholder/ tavernkeeper (tavern licenses recorded 1793-1799). Historian Secomb (p. 556) says: “About 1795 [David Danforth] erected the buildings near the railway station which were occupied as a tavern-stand for several years.” If that is so, it would mean that the earlier tavern was in a different house – and interestingly, when Levi Adams, another taverner, bought the property in 1802, there were two dwelling houses on it, the main house and a “small dwelling house” besides Danforth’s blacksmith shop. A puzzle. As you see, gentle reader, it can be tricky! Yet various documentary evidence – even vital records of older Massachusetts towns – can be utilized to narrow down the likeliest construction date for old houses in Amherst, N.H. These dates are still estimates, but they are plausible, hopefully defensible estimates. (I eliminated a few from this list as not qualifying but have not researched the deeds of every single house in Amherst, so if you think I missed one of this vintage, let me know.) A final note of caution: Both Emma Boylston Locke’s book and Howard Locke’s house notes are unreliable sources for dating old houses.
Katrina Holman welcomes comments to HistoricAmherstNH@juno.com
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Thank You from Amy Facey To the editor:
Amherst School Board Update To the editor:
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported me for re-election to the Souhegan Cooperative School Board. I am so grateful to those who wrote letters, posted messages on social media, placed and held signs, and offered words of support and encouragement. I am especially thankful for the support of our amazing high school students! Thank you also to those who asked tough questions and offered suggestions for change and improvement. I look forward to continuing those conversations. For those who supported other candidates, please know that I will always work hard to do what’s in the best interest of our students and community and welcome your feedback as we move forward. I would like to commend Tony and Christine for running excellent campaigns and look forward to their continued engagement. Congratulations to Stephanie and the other newly elected board members in SAU 39. These challenging times require thoughtful leadership, diligence, and commitment to the health and safety of our school community, and I look forward to working to ensure that our schools provide the exceptional educational experience that all of our students deserve. Thank you, Amy Facey Amherst
We would like to begin this letter by thanking our voters for approving both the Amherst School District budget and warrant article on March 10th. Your support allows us to move forward with our goals. We are excited to get started and will provide updates as the projects take shape. As a Board, we want to express our appreciation to John Glover for his dedication to the Amherst School District during his tenure as a school board member. John is a passionate member of our community and we are hopeful he will continue to be engaged in the district. We will miss his diligent note taking during meetings and his passion for balance. We welcome Josh Conklin as the newest member of our board and look forward to Josh’s involvement. We are also excited to welcome back Terri Behm’s energy, commitment, and enthusiasm for another term. It’s remarkable how much has changed since we visited the polls on Tuesday, March 10th. Our district, our community and the world has transformed. We hope that at the reading of this letter, you and your family continue to be healthy and safe as we all adjust to this new reality. Virtual Learning: As you are aware, learning is no longer happening inside our buildings, as all buildings have been closed and learning have been moved to an online format. This change has been a big shift for our staff, students, and families. We continue to be amazed at reports of how well the process is going. The Board would like to thank the teachers for completely reworking their teaching styles to allow our students to continue to learn through this disruption to our school year. We also want to applaud our students who have taken to learning virtually with excitement and amazing flexibility. Lastly, a thank you to the parents who have suddenly had to become assistant teachers to their kids while balancing the demands of life and full-time jobs. You have all done a phenomenal job. Patience will be important in the weeks ahead as there will be To the editor: frustrations and celebrations, and your school board members, teachers Pandemics have a way of making life inconvenient, and are a game and administrators are here to support you as needed. changer. Applause, gratitude, and many thanks are in order for Next Meeting: In an effort to have all districts work more closely Superintendent Adam Steel, principals, teachers, and others for quickly together, the April meetings will look a little different. Any topic that navigating our schools in a safe direction for delivery of education to our pertains to more than one district will be discussed at the SAU meeting. children. The individual board meetings will address topics that only pertain to their About a month ago, we were engaged in an election season, and the specific district. The next meeting for the Amherst School Board (ASB) is various concerns then seem so long ago and so less important. The scheduled for April 13 at 6 p.m. immediately followed by the SAU meeting people spoke and decisions were made. Congratulations to those who at 7:30 p.m. In our April meeting the ASB will be taking one last look at the were elected! We pray you all will govern with wisdom, dignity, and plumbing project at AMS. We will review what was completed as part of integrity. To those who ran and did not prevail, thank you for having the the project, test results from after the project, and see if there is any further desire and courage to step up and put yourselves out there. Please work that should be completed. All funds that were appropriated for this remain engaged in our community as there are other opportunities to warrant article that have not been spent as of June 30 will be returned to serve. taxpayers. To the many volunteers, some who fly under the radar, serving our Emergency Meetings: We want to take some time to explain how community and getting things done, GOD knows who you are, and thank board meetings will be happening for the foreseeable future. Due to you. current situations with social distancing and the current stay-at-home order To everyone in our community, thank you all for isolating and sheltering imposed by the governor, all boards, committees, and groups that are in place. Thank you for checking on your neighbors and the vulnerable governed by RSA 91A (the Right to Know Law) are to hold all meetings as members of our community. As we have needs, especially to be fed, “emergency meetings”. Emergency meetings allow for less than quorum to please remember our local small businesses, especially those in (603). be physically present at the meeting location and for board members to There is much uncertainty before us, but we will get through this with attend the meeting electronically. This week the governor took it one step common sense, courage, determination, and help from above. We will further with emergency order No. 12. This order temporarily suspended appreciate the simple things even more. Using technology, we will realize the clause in RSA 91A that requires a physical meeting location as long as more efficient ways to work, study, and live. Please be safe and healthy. the Board meets the following conditions: GOD Bless us all. 1. Provides public access to the meeting by telephone, with additional Faithfully, access possibilities by video or other electronic means; Dwayne Purvis 2. Provides public notice of the necessary information for accessing the Amherst meeting; 3. Provides a mechanism for the public to alert the public body during the meeting if there are problems with access; and 4. Adjourns the meeting if the public is unable to access the meeting.
Thank You for Isolating & Sheltering in Place
Important update from NHAC on COVID-19 Dear New Hampshire Antique Co-op Customers,
We are reaching out to you today as we all navigate through this unsettling time. First and foremost, we hope that you all are healthy and staying safe from COVID-19. These certainly are extraordinary times. We have been extremely busy behind the scenes here at New Hampshire Antique Co-op for the past few weeks preparing for virtual antiquing and expanding our online inventory in anticipation of New Hampshire’s statewide order for the closure of all non-essential businesses, now through May 4. During this time, NHAC is offering curbside pick up, delivery, shipping and free storage. Please shop us online and/or call us at 603-673-8499. We offer virtual antiquing via our website, Rubylane, 1stdibs, Craigslist, Etsy and Facebook, as well as personal shopping via text, email and video chat. Fresh items will be posted daily to our social media sites on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, you can let us know if you are looking for anything specific and we will do our best to locate it either from within our shop or from our network of dealers and consignors. If you have any questions about the value of your antiques or fine art, please email photos of your items to info@nhantiquecoop.com for a free evaluation. We are always available to give you an overview of your items to ensure that you aren’t overlooking a treasure that you might not realize you have. Although these are difficult times, we will get through this if everyone follows the guidelines of social distancing for the benefit of society as a whole. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones, and check on friends and neighbors who may be more isolated than you are. We’re all in this together. Thank you for your understanding and patronage. Stay safe and healthy! Sincerely, The Hackler family and all of the staff at New Hampshire Antique Co-op
We are still working through the technical details in order to comply with this order , and will share as part of the ASB agenda, which is posted on the SAU 39 webpage, www.SAU39.org, 5-7 days before any meeting. As always, please contact the Board with any questions or comments you may have at ASB@SAU39.org. If you have a hard time accessing the agenda once it is posted please email us and we would be happy to email you a copy.
Thank you Elizabeth Kuzsma, Chair Terri Behm, Vice Chair Josh Conklin Tom Gauthier Ellen Grudzien
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Amherst Garden Club to Host First Online Webinar, May 7th AMHERST – At 10:30am, Matt Tarr, Wildlife Specialist will present a webinar titled "Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes". Details on how to join this online event are found at amherstgardenclub.org ... READ MORE
O R G A N I Z AT I O N S
AAUW Sponsors Online Course – Closing The Gender Pay Gap AMHERST – The March 25th program "Women and Labor" with Dr. Monica Galizzi was cancelled and expected to be rescheduled this Fall. Other news on Book Discussions and Candidates Night are revealed ... READ MORE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Old Home Days Committee Plan for Bigger Event September 12th AMHERST – Discussions now underway with other Amherst non-profit and civic groups to join forces and work toward a special one-year event ... READ MORE
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Changes to Morning Program, May 7, 2020
WEBINAR: Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes
Matt Tarr, Wildlife State Specialist AMHERST - The Amherst Garden Club’s monthly meeting plans for Thursday, May 7 have changed. Due to the pandemic, the evening meeting has been cancelled, and the daytime business meeting will likely be held online and not open to the public. Happily, we are still able to invite the public to our monthly program as originally scheduled, but with participation happening online rather than in person. At 10:30 AM, Matt Tarr, Wildlife State Specialist, will host a webinar titled “Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes.” An abundance of wildlife is one of the best indicators of an ecologically well-designed landscape. By understanding how pollinators, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians select their habitats during each season of the year, we can design landscapes that effectively attract and support a diversity of wildlife. Matt will provide practical methods for designing ecologically complete landscapes that invite human interaction and transcend simple aesthetics through their functioning interconnected elements. Join us for this webinar and learn how to encourage wildlife diversity in your own landscape. The details for joining the webinar will be published on the Amherst Garden Club web site and Facebook page closer to the event date. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Two books will be awarded as door prizes: “Bringing Nature Home” and “Nature’s Best Hope,” both by Doug Tallamy. These books are highly recommended by the speaker, even if you are unable to attend the presentation. Matt is a professional wildlife biologist and NH Licensed forester and he works throughout NH in close partnership with the NH Fish and Game Department to assist private landowners and communities improve habitat for wildlife. His specialties include improving forested wildlife habitat through commercial timber harvesting, field management to benefit vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife, shrubland and young forest habitat management, wildlife food plot design and maintenance, wetlands wildlife ecology and management, and methods for improving hunting opportunities on private land. Matt and his students are currently studying the factors that influence habitat selection and dispersal of shrubland-dependent songbirds and how non-native shrubs influence habitat quality for declining songbird species.
...but the club hopes you will work in your gardens and landscapes and be ready for a great Plant Sale in 2021. The Coronavirus will not keep spring from coming! In the mean time the club meetings continue on line with wonderful speakers, open to the public. Please check us out at amhertsgardenclub.org. Stay in touch with our local garden centers and when the time is right plan to visit them to purchase all your gardening needs.
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AAUW News
Meeting at The Black Forest Cafe – March 25 CANCELLED
Branch Meeting and Program Expected to be Rescheduled This Fall AMHERST – Given the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, the Southern NH Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) canceled the meeting and program scheduled for March 25 at the Black Forest Café in Amherst. Dr. Monica Galizzi, Chair of the Department of Economics and a Senior Associate of the Center for Women & Work at the University of Massachusetts Lowell was to present the third and final program in the Civic Engagement Series planned for 2019-2020. The hope is she will be able to present her program “Women and Labor” in the fall. Questions contact Program Vice President Susan Hoover at 603-213-6601; email susnhoover@aol.com.
Closing the Gender Pay Gap – Work Smart Online - FREE Course While waiting for the economy to get back on track, consider a program developed by AAUW to help women in salary negotiation. Work Smart Online is a free course that helps women earn the pay they deserve. To access the online course type salary.aauw.com in your search bar and begin preparation to negotiate a better salary and benefits. An easy, engaging e-tool will teach participants to learn the market value of their skills and experience, determine an equitable “target salary” based on skills and experience, and ask for the pay they deserve. In surveys nearly all participants reported having more confidence and better negotiating skills after taking the class.
Upcoming Book Discussions Members plan to meet to discuss the following books on the dates below. Meetings are held in members’ homes and begin at 7 p.m. with a social time. The discussions begin about 7:30. Books to be discussed: May 4: “Educated” by Tara Westover June 1: “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women” by Kate Moore If interested in participating, contact cofacilitators: Mary Marsh at amherst993@comcast.net, or Linda Pellerin at linda-82@comcast.net.
Candidates Night Was Well Attended The Southern NH Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) hosted the Eighth Annual Amherst Candidates Night at the Amherst Town Hall on March 3. All candidates who filed for an Amherst school or town office received an invitation to participate. Over twenty accepted. The election was held on March 10. AAUW is a non-partisan non-political organization that never endorses candidates or specific parties. The organization whose roots date back to the 1880s has two branches in NH. The Southern New Hampshire Branch, established in the 1970s, hosts a variety of programs concerning women’s education and equity issues that are open to the public. Members of the branch live in the following communities: Amherst, Atkinson, Dover, Exeter, Hanover, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, and Wilton.
Amherst Garden Club Charitable Fund Seeks Applications for Grants
Historical Society of Amherst’s Old Home Day
With all the uncertainly around social gatherings at the moment, we wanted to let everyone know that Old Home Day is still on for September 12th and that we would love to see this community event grow this year as a celebration of all things Amherst in light of the current social distancing quarantines in place. The Old Home Day event committee is working to make this year’s event even bigger and better, and if your Amherst non-profit or Civic Group wants to be involved, please let us know. A final decision won’t be made until June, but in the mean time, keep us on your calendar for 2020 and remember the memories of all the fun we had at the 2019 Old Home Day! We have already had some preliminary discussions with other town groups about combining events into Old Home Day if necessary, so if your group is developing contingency plans for postponing your own event, the Old Home Day committee would be happy to discuss making Old Home Day a special one-year event that would work for everyone’s benefit. We know there is a pent-up demand in Amherst for a community event and are looking forward to when we can all celebrate again!
AMHERST – The Amherst garden Club Charitable Fund welcomes qualified applicants for the 2019-2020 year. Proceeds from our fund raising activities as well as memorial gifts are added to our fund each year and then awarded to local community projects that are consistent with our mission. Our mission is to provide education, resources and networking opportunities for our members to promote the love of gardening, civic landscaping and environmental responsibility. Recent grants have been awarded to the Women’s State Prison Gardening Program, Joshua’s Park and Community Gardens, The Amherst Town Library Gardens and the Amherst Garden Club Garden House Project and The Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club Edible Garden Project. Information and applications can be found on our website: www.amherstgardenclub.org. Questions can be directed to Sheila_steele@comcast.net. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis and reviewed when applications are received.
Amherst Area Newcomers
The Souhegan Valley Women’s Social & Newcomers Club, aka Amherst Area Newcomers Club, is a non-profit, social group for women. We welcome new residents as well as those who have lived here for years. We offer monthly general events and over 21 interest groups. Contact us at nhnewcomers@gmail.com, & check out our website at NHNewcomers.com.
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Superintendent Steel Updates the Community on Changes AMHERST – Weeks before our schools closed, administrators and staff began preparations for remote learning. The structure remains flexible to accommodate the needs of modern families ... READ MORE
Michael Berry Named New Principal at Souhegan High AMHERST – Effective July 1, 2020 former principal of White Mountains Regional High School, Michael Berry will now head up the administration at Souhegan High School. Mr. Berry looks forward to bringing high standards to the job... READ MORE
Spotlight on Learning: SHS's Remote Learning Revolution AMHERST – Educator Jeanne Sturgis explores the formidable task of mobilizing teachers to completely transform every aspect of what it means to transform their homes into virtual classrooms ... READ MORE
Update From Joint Facilities Advisory Committee
DAR "Good Citizen" Awards to Local High Students
AMHERST -- The JFAC will work with SAU 39 leadership and staff to ensure the work moves forward expeditiously and to communicate findings with the community ...
AMHERST -- Georgia Jones, a Souhegan High senior from Mont Vernon was one of three recipients of the "Good Citizens Award" from the Capt. Josiah Bartlett Chapter...
Makerspace Responds to Covid-19 Challenges
Wilkins School Geography Bee Winners Announced
Amherst Makerspace volunteers are currently working to produce as many 3D printed protective masks as possible and seeks others with 3D printers to join them ...
AMHERST -- Plus Amherst and Mont Vernon students are in the news at colleges and universities in New England and elsewhere. Click the arrow for an extensive list ...
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School Superintendent’s Update to the Community
SAU #39: Michael Berry Appointed to Principal at Souhegan High School
April 6, 2020
Dear families, friends, and fellow community members: Our school districts have experienced unprecedented change since March. Our students and staff met the transition to remote learning with remarkable resilience, and I am so proud to see the effort put for by the entire community to support our Superintendent, Adam Steel teachers and learners. Since the first warning signs of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAU #39 has taken a leading position in making decisions for the protection and benefit of our students, staff, and community. Weeks before schools closed, our staff began preparations for remote learning. Though it has not been without challenges, we find our staff to be some of the most prepared educators in the state to take on this extraordinary challenge to continuing to teach our students. At the end of March, I issued a district-wide survey to parents asking for their impressions on our first weeks of remote learning. The results were overwhelmingly positive; parents felt our teachers are striving to meet the educational needs of our young learners, and our students are rising to the challenge of reaching their academic goals in a new and untraditional environment. 77% of parents responded that remote learning was taking the appropriate amount of time in their home. School days look different; the structure remains flexible to accommodate the needs of modern families who are experiencing tremendous pressure. I am so proud of the creativity and resilience of our staff and students that has emerged from this experience. We will continue to evaluate remote learning as we move forward and adjust our approach when necessary. We don’t know for certain when our students will return to our buildings. While buildings remain closed, facilities staff has meticulously cleaned and sanitized throughout the SAU. Extraordinary precautions and safety protocol have been adopted. We will continue this vigilance for as long as necessary. Food security to families and financial need during record unemployment is a continual concern. Our employees are still being paid. Additionally, our food services program has provided breakfast and lunches to any and all district families who are in need. If there are families within the district who have not yet requested this support, they are welcome to do so by visiting this site: bit.ly/sau39foodsurvey It is important to consider the emotional impact that these drastic changes will have on our students, especially those who are reaching milestones of their youth. I think about our seniors, who were looking forward to prom, graduation, and other rites of passage. The AMS and SHS musicals were both postponed after months of preparation. We will, to the best of our ability, find a way to make sure our students do not miss out on these moments. Our goal remains to provide a top-notch education to students, perhaps now with more flexibility and innovation than ever before. I welcome your feedback and questions, which you can direct to me via phone at 603-673-2690 or by completing this online form: http://bit.ly/superintendentsteel
Sincerely, Adam Steel Superintendent of Schools, SAU #39
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Amherst & Mont Vernon, NH – March 23, 2020 – Michael Berry, Principal of White Mountains Regional High School, has been appointed principal of Souhegan High School effective July 1, 2020. Superintendent of Schools, Adam Steel, appointed Mr. Berry at the Souhegan Cooperative School Board meeting on March 23, 2020, effective SHS Principal, Mike Berry July 1, 2020. The Souhegan Cooperative School Board approved Mr. Berry in a 6-1 vote for a three-year term with a starting salary of $135,000. Mr. Berry has been principal of White Mountains Regional High School since 2012 where he served as assistant principal and athletic director previously since 2009. He has been an educator since 2001 serving in Nashua, NH and Newnan, GA prior to serving at WMRHS. Adam Steel, superintendent of schools for SAU #39: “Mike is an experienced, successful high school principal with an extensive track record that demonstrates putting students first, providing clear leadership to faculty, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in education.” Michael Berry on his appointment: “I am thankful to have been part of more than a decade of amazing work and growth at White Mountains Regional High School. We are now capable of doing things we didn’t talk about or imagine when I arrived here. We have grown, attracted and retained educators of the highest quality, and have created the conditions and the necessary support for them to improve their craft. As a result, our students, in whichever path they choose, are doing better, achieving more, and dreaming bigger than we might have thought possible. We’ve attracted resources, partners, funders, and learning opportunities that have distinguished us from other schools in NH. We’ve done this work to offer more for our kids, for our families, for our staff, and our community. It’s been highly rewarding to be a part of this process and these successful outcomes. Now, I look forward to bringing that same energy, as well as the same high standards to improve learning for kids - all kids- at Souhegan High School. My experiences have taught me that the best way to get there is through high-level adult collaboration, which includes reading, discussing, designing and creating the kind of learning that the student voice data says kids are hungry for. Souhegan has been, and continues to be, a distinguished leader in rethinking school. I’m eager to be a part of taking that mission to the next level at a pivotal moment for all educators and learners.” Teacher Andy Emerson: “Michael brings a depth of knowledge of our roots which will help ground us in the past and the leadership qualities to enable us to move forward to new heights.” Teacher Jolene Sawyer: “I am so excited that Mike Berry has chosen to come to SHS! Our entire community will benefit from his leadership, his commitment to students and his passion for education. His willingness to collaborate and empower teachers and students stood out to me during the interview process. I get the sense that he is an educational innovator who will support us as we grow and as we continue to meet the needs of all students. I am really looking forward to working with Mike next year. I think great things are headed our way!”
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Spotlight on Learning: Souhegan’s Remote Learning Revolution By Jeanne Sturges In 1940, hundreds of private British citizens harnessed their resources and their patriotism to rescue more than 300,000 soldiers off the beaches of Dunkirk. The newly commissioned private vessels navigated by ordinary citizens across the English Channel to save the soldiers from Nazi entrapment in nothing short of a Herculean effort. While we face a very different challenge today, and perhaps the analogy is a bit hyperbolic, educating our students during the current crisis is proving to be the most formidable task educators across the country have faced in at least a generation, perhaps since WWII. Within a matter of days, literally, teachers mobilized to completely transform every aspect of what it means to teach, recommissioning their homes into virtual classrooms, re-engineering their curriculum, and re-tooling their use of technology to maximize their connection with students. At Souhegan High School, teachers had three days to gear up for remote learning. On March 11, the staff used its regularly scheduled 90-minute staff meeting to begin preparations in anticipation of what soon became inevitable: schools closed to students beginning the following Monday, March 16th. Administration then provided flexible professional learning opportunities on March 16th – 17th, both remotely and on campus focused in two primary areas: pedagogy (or virtual teaching strategies) and technology. Teachers quickly brushed up or ramped up on Slack, Screencastify, Google Classroom, Learning Management Systems, Zoom, Google Meets and a variety of other tools suddenly deemed essential. Besides building the capacity themselves for virtual learning, staff had less than 48-hours to bring students up to speed with the essentials of functioning in a remote learning environment. In the two days prior to closing the building, Tech Support worked to ensure that every student had the equipment and the access they would need to go live on March 18th. When virtual classes launched a little over two weeks ago, teachers knew their main goals would be to continue personal connections with students to support their emotional well-being, to provide relevant and meaningful learning, and to keep students engaged so that they would be further along in their skills and understanding, ready to continue with their education upon return, according Souhegan administrators. To that end, teachers have been testing the waters to make the best of a difficult situation. Tom Sawyer’s sophomore American Studies class was treated to a special guest within the first few days of going remote.” I had a student bring her grandfather to class,” Sawyer says. “We are studying WWII and he lived in Japan during the war years. He was a young boy, but his brother was a pilot in the Japanese Navy. He told us a story of seeing his brother off as he went to train as a kamikaze pilot never thinking he would see him again. (His brother actually did survive). He also told us of his memories of living 40 miles away from Hiroshima after the Atomic Bomb was dropped. He was very engaging, and he made the class so much more interesting for the students. We probably would not have had this opportunity had it not been for remote learning.”
Online Etiquette video created by social studies teacher, Dave Jasinski
Lab-based and hands-on classes face particularly difficult challenges. In pottery, Martha Rives conducted a live demonstration of how to make a paper vessel. Students had a choice of a particular pottery tradition to research, for instance Native American or Ancient Greece. They then sketched their plan and devised their own pottery vessel from household materials and glue. They used everything from newspaper to pasta, to fabric or straws. In Liz Gosselin’s Digital Photography 2 class, students ventured outdoors to photograph the first signs of spring. And 9th graders in Creative Image explored “Virtual Spelunking” to experience the beginning of Art. Teachers also spent time laying the foundation for online learning. 10th grade Social Studies teacher, Dave Jasinski created a video for online etiquette that students viewed and discussed. Advisors have also scrambled to maintain a sense of connection and camaraderie. Tony Doucet’s freshman Advisory used Zoom to play a collaborative drawing game on scribble.io, while Gavin Sturges’ senior Advisory had bring-a-talent, share-a-joke or show-off-your-pet day. “My Zoom crashed midway through, but they carried on without me and had a great time!” Sturges says. “My next idea is for a 2-minute Ninja cooking class.” And, in the spirit of Souhegan’s newly launched school-wide Fang Fest Fridays, Team 10Z created a TGI-Friday video for their students. What do students miss the most? Overwhelmingly, they miss the connection, the human interaction that comes with school. As much time as they may have spent online under normal circumstances, without the balance of real human contact – the multi-sensory environment of school in the real world – students report feeling low energy and lonely, bored, yet easily distracted. Junior Bryce Pierce says, “It feels so different. I really miss the social interaction and seeing everyone. I’m pretty much just here alone.” Carter Riggins says, “I miss talking with teachers face-to-face,” while Maddie Arnold says, “It’s so much harder having to email all the time. It feels troublesome. Getting in touch just takes so much more than it used to, and I don’t want to be a burden to teachers.” What else do students miss? “Driving! Driving to school! Driving anywhere!” says Ally McCall. Although some students find the isolation difficult but bearable, many students are facing profound new stresses – from parents and family members who are working in critical industries and risking exposure, to the uncertainty of sickness, graduation, and a loss of the important rites-of-passage that come with school.
Paper vessel by Martha Rives
Students say there is a silver lining, though. The later (9:00 am) start time, along with having flex-day every Wednesday are two rewards of the upheaval. “Flex-day gives us a day to talk with our teachers oneto-one and to catch up,” says Ally McCall. Carter Riggins says that the schedule is working well to help him focus on his independent studies in photography and creative writing. “I like it but at the same time, it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that even though this seems like a lot of work, it’s not. I say this because we used to do this much work in class, but we had class time to do it and now we don’t [have that structure]. Because of this, it’s easy to get overwhelmed,” Riggins adds. On a dime, public school educators have thoroughly transformed their practice to meet this extraordinary circumstance, many of whom are facing their own unique challenges. Teachers are teaching with their own young children home – who are also in of need supervision, structure and support. Some teachers also have partners or spouses who are working out of the house, in health-care professions, or who may be sick and in need of care. Parents and community members have shown a great deal of understanding, patience and support, despite the stress and difficulty of having to manage such dramatic changes and challenges themselves. “One of the real highlights of this experience has been going on Facebook and seeing the public and parents’ overwhelmingly positive response to teachers’ efforts in making such huge changes in such a short amount of time,” said Laura Putnam, Souhegan alumni parent.
Jeanne Sturges is the Writing Center Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach at Souhegan High School.
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Schools Students in the News Worcester Polytechnic Institute Announces Fall 2019 Dean’s List WORCESTER, MA - The following local residents were among 1,678 students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2019 semester. Mary Rego of Amherst, N.H., is a member of the class of 2021 majoring in biomedical engineering. Denver Blake of Mont Vernon, N.H., is a member of the class of 2023 majoring in computer science. Thomas Lipkin of Mont Vernon, N.H., is a member of the class of 2021 majoring in mechanical engineering. The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differs from most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.
Students Named Clarkson University Presidential Scholars
POTSDAM, NY - The following local students have been named Presidential Scholars for the fall 2019 semester at Clarkson University: Rhiannon Eve Allison of Mont Vernon, NH, majoring in biology. Caroline Diane Louise Speer of Mont Vernon, NH, majoring in biology. Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.
Colby-Sawyer Students Named to Fall 2019 Dean’s List
NEW LONDON, NH - Colby-Sawyer College recognizes 184 students for outstanding academic achievement during the 2019 fall semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours in graded courses. Dylan Carlson from Amherst majoring in graphic design. Chloe Brisson of Mont Vernon.
Students Named to the University of Vermont Dean’s List
BURLINGTON, VT - To be named to the dean’s list at the University of Vermont, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school. The following students from your area have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester: Karly Infanti of Amherst Hannah Kershaw of Mont Vernon Jennifer Ladd of Amherst Jane Leighton of Amherst Margot Redway of Amherst Matthew Saunders of Amherst Sophie Unger of Amherst
Students Named to University of Hartford Dean’s List WEST HARTFORD, CT - The University of Hartford is pleased to announce the following student has been named to the Dean’s List for Fall 2019. Sarah Kolopsky of Amherst.
University of New Hampshire Announces December 2019 Graduates
Wilkins School Tufts University announces dean’s list honors
2020 National Geographic Bee
MEDFORD, MA - Tufts University recently announced the dean’s list for the Fall 2019 semester. Among students earning dean’s list honors are: Olivia Bennett of Amherst Evan Loconto of Amherst Dean’s list honors at Tufts University require a semester grade point average of 3.4 or greater.
AMHERST – The 2020 National Geographic Bee held at Wilkins School is the first round in the annual geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Questions cover not only geography, but also ancient and world civilizations, cultures, and physical features. The winner of the GeoBee was Amritanshu UConn 2019 Fall NH Dean’s Pradhan, and the runner-up was Keith List Mello. The following students from Amherst have Finalists who participated in the school been named to UConn’s Dean’s List for the round include John Conforti, Owen Fall 2019 semester: Sarah Kayser and Eric Conforti, Amritanshu Pradhan, Graham Loconto. The requirement to make the Murray, Keith Mello, Marin McQuaid, Dean’s List: students received no grade Mateus Tymowicz, Ben Siskavich, and below “C”, earned at least 3.0 times as Asher Smith. Winner Amritanshu Pradhan, with runnermany grade points as the number of up was Keith Mello calculable credits recorded by the Registrar, and (4) were in at least the upper quartile of their school or college.
Bryant University Students Named to Deans’ List
SMITHFIELD, RI - Bryant University is committed to the pursuit, recognition, and celebration of academic excellence. The University is pleased to recognize the students who have been named to the Deans’ List for the fall 2019 semester. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! Abigail Tesconi, class of 2022, from Amherst.
Erica Meehan Named to Canisius College Fall 2019 Dean’s List
BUFFALO, NY - Erica Meehan, of Amherst was named to the Canisius College Dean’s List for the fall 2019 semester. Meehan is from the Canisius Class of 2020 and pursuing a degree in Animal Behavior Ecology and Conservation. She is one of more than 1,100 Canisius College undergraduate students named to the fall 2019 Dean’s List. To qualify, students must have attained a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the semester and completed at least four courses of three credits or equivalent.
Isabell Plotsker named to Vanderbilt University Dean’s List
Vanderbilt has named Isabell Plotsker of Amherst to the Dean’s List. Plotsker is a sophomore at Peabody College of Education and Human Development. She is majoring in HOD / Pre-Law. She is the daughter of Colleen and Vadim Plotsker of Amherst.
Endicott College Announces Local Dean’s List Students
BEVERLY, Mass - Endicott College is pleased to announce its Fall 2019 Dean’s List students. In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must obtain a minimum grade point average of 3.5, receive no letter grade below “C,” have no withdrawal grades, and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for the semester. The following students have met these requirements: From Amherst, Lindsey Hagerstrom, Nursing, Dillon Pollio, Entrepreneurship and Business, Emily Shaw, Interior Architecture, minoring in Dance.
Iowa Lakes Community College Fall Honors List
UMass Lowell names local students to dean‘s list
LOWELL, Mass. - Local residents have been named to the dean’s list at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Among those recognized for achieving academic distinction for the fall 2019 semester at UMass Lowell are: Caleb Darling of Amherst, majoring in mathematics Adria Kajenski of Amherst, majoring in continuing studies Tyler Orr of Amherst, majoring in mathematics Elinor Breckenridge of Mont Vernon, majoring in nursing Katherine Spalding of Mont Vernon, majoring in nursing. To qualify for the dean’s list at UMass Lowell, a student must have completed no fewer than 12 graded credits for the semester and earned at least a 3.25 grade-point average with no grade lower than C and without any incompletes.
Wheaton College (IL) Fall 2019 Dean’s List
WHEATON, IL - The following Wheaton College students (Wheaton, Illinois) in your coverage area were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester: James Kibbie of Mont Vernon To earn Dean’s List honors at Wheaton, an undergraduate student must carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on the 4.0 scale.
Amherst resident named to Virginia Tech Dean’s List
Fall 2019 - Erin S. Humphrey, a freshman majoring in US in the College of Interdisciplinary from Amherst is among the Virginia Tech students named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete at least 12 credit hours graded on the A-F option and earn a 3.4
Amherst student named to the UMass Dartmouth Fall 2019 Chancellors List Students named to the Chancellor’s List in recognition of earning a semester grade point average of 3.8 or higher of a possible 4.0: Amherst: Madison Colby
Saint Anselm College has released the Dean’s List
Saint Anselm College has released the Dean’s List of high academic achievers for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year. To be eligible for this honor, a student must have achieved a grade point average of 3.3 or better in the semester with at least 12 credits of study which award a letter grade. A total of 556 students representing 22 states and 5 countries received this honor. Mark W. Cronin, Dean of the College, announced that the following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2019 semester at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire. Amherst, NH John Henzell, Chemistry, 2023 Mont Vernon, NH Hannah Beaudry, English, 2021 McKenzie Robinson, Edu Studies: Elem Educ, 2022
Mont Vernon resident earns academic honors from Clark University
WORCESTER, Mass.– Emerson S. Addams of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire has been named to second honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Fall 2019 semester. To be eligible for second honors, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or
DURHAM, NH-- The following students graduated from the University of New Hampshire in December 2019. Students who received the honor of summa cum laude graduated with a GPA of 3.85-4.0; students who received the honor of magna cum laude graduated with a GPA of 3.653.84; and students who received the honor of cum laude graduated with a GPA of 3.50-3.64. Students are only graduated after the Registrar’s Office has certified that all degree requirements have been successfully completed. Participating in the commencement ceremony is the act of honoring and celebrating academic achievement. John Ahonen of Amherst John Cummings of Amherst Julia Emery of Amherst Samantha Allen of Amherst Drew Sanborn of Amherst Taylor Hennas of Amherst Tyler Swenson of Amherst Daniel Konig of Amherst Mary Wiley of Mont Vernon Alexander Williams of Mont Vernon
Area resident named to dean’s list for the Fall 2019 semester at Quinnipiac University
HAMDEN, Conn. - The following Amherst student was named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2019 semester at Quinnipiac University: Kaitlin Castell. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than C. Full-time students must complete at least 14 credits in a semester, with at least 12 credits that have been graded on a letter grade basis to be eligible. Parttime students must complete at least six credits during a semester.
Emerson College Announces Local Dean’s List Honorees for Fall 2019
BOSTON, MA -cThe following students have been named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester. The requirement to make the Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher that semester. Olivia Cashman of Amherst majoring in Media Arts Production, and a member of the class of 2022. Leah Cedeno of Amherst majoring in Media Arts Production, and a member of the class of 2021. Jacob Hoerhold of Mont Vernon majoring in Media Arts Production, and a member of the class of 2021.
Elle Woods and Paulette Buonufonte (Evmorfia Alton and Alyssa Saunders).
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Released Valerie Newhouse, President of Iowa Lakes Community College, has released the fall honors list of full-time students who have demonstrated academic excellence by earning at least a grade point average of 3.25 (based on a 4.00) or higher. Fall semester students who have achieved a 4.00 (A) average are on the President’s list. Those with a 4.00 (A) average are on the President’s list. President’s List, from Amherst, Dawson Pehowski.
Local Resident Named to President’s List at LIM College
NEW YORK, NY - Abigail Fitzgerald of Mont Vernon was named to the President’s List at LIM College for the Fall 2019 semester. To be placed on the President’s List students must earn a grade point average between 3.8 and 4.0.
Local Residents named to Fall 2019 Dean’s List at Saint Michael’s College COLCHESTER, VT - The following local students were named to the Dean’s List at Saint Michael’s College for the Fall 2019 semester. Jack R. Manning, a First-Year Student exploratory major from Amherst and a graduate of Souhegan High School. Morgan L. Zifchak, a Senior mathematics and elementary education major from Amherst and a graduate of Souhegan High School. Emma M. White, a First-Year Student history major from Mont Vernon and a graduate of Souhegan High School. Alexander B. Craven, a Senior political science major from Mont Vernon and a graduate of Souhegan High School.
Local University of Rhode Island students named to the Dean’s List
KINGSTON, RI -The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that more than 6,000 undergraduates have qualified for the fall 2019 Dean’s List. The students represent nearly all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, all six New England states, New York and New Jersey, and many other states and nations. To be included on the Dean’s List, students must have completed 12 or more credits during a semester for letter grades with at least a 3.30 quality point average. The following named to URI’s fall 2019 Dean’s List: Rebecca Farren of Amherst Ries Grondstra of Mont Vernon Jeff Kiesewetter of Amherst Hallie Parenteau of Amherst Ethan Trzepacz of Mont Vernon Julia Unger of Amherst
grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) during the semester.
Local students named to Fall 2019 Dean’s List at Stonehill College
EASTON, MA - To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered. The following local students were named to the Fall 2019 Dean’s List at Stonehill College: McKenzie Rendall, Class of 2022, of Mont Vernon.
Local student named to RIT’s Dean’s List for 2019 Fall Semester
ROCHESTER, NY - The following local residents made the Rochester Institute of Technology Dean’s List. Eric Kolb of Mont Vernon who is in the chemical engineering program. Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete”, “D” or “F”; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.
Bates College’s Elise Lambert named to NESCAC Fall AllAcademic
LEWISTON, ME - Elise Lambert of Amherst has received 2019 NESCAC Fall AllAcademic honors. Lambert, the child of Lisa A. Lambert of Amherst and Brian A. Lambert of Manchester is a 2018 graduate of Souhegan High School. They are majoring in politics and minoring in Spanish at Bates. Lambert, a member of the Women’s Cross Country team, is one of 36 students from Bates College’s fall sports teams who received the honor from the New England Small College Athletic Conference. To be honored, a student-athlete must have reached sophomore academic standing and be a varsity letter winner with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50.
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Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean’s List BOSTON, Mass. - The following local residents were named to the 2019 fall semester dean’s list at Simmons University in Boston. Abigail Powers of Amherst Gwyneth Bailey of Amherst Ariana Infanti of Amherst Hailey Hull of Amherst Kristin Meader of Mont Vernon To qualify for dean’s list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.
Roger Williams University Announces Fall 2019 Dean’s List
BRISTOL, RI - Select students have been named to the Fall 2019 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester. The following students have been recognized for this achievement. Taylor Aselin, of Amherst Aydan Kuhnert, of Amherst Cora Thibeault, of Amherst Spencer Wright, of Amherst
St. Lawrence University Students Named to Dean’s List
CANTON, NY -The following student has been selected for inclusion on the Dean’s List for academic achievement during the Fall 2019 semester at St. Lawrence University. Emily Grudzien of Amherst. Grudzien is a member of the Class of 2021 and is majoring in environmental studies-English.
Souhegan’s Spring Musical “Legally Blonde” Cancelled
AMHERST – Souhegan Drama’s cast, crew and creative team worked hard preparing a fabulous performance for this year’s musical, “Legally Blonde” March 26-28. It was cancelled and has not been rescheduled at this time. We are publishing a few photos of dress rehearsal.
Legal Team: Taylor Ciotti, Sarah Bernyk, Garrett Robinson, Evmorfia Alton, Braden Foulks, Tim Eccleston, Abby Maroun, Alex McGuigan and Alyssa Saunders
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higher, of a maximum of 4.3 (all A+s).
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Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op Now on view through May 31, 2020 MILFORD - We are reaching out to you as we all navigate through this unsettling time. First and foremost, we hope that you all are healthy and staying safe from COVID-19. We have been extremely busy behind the scenes here at New Hampshire Antique Co-op for the past few weeks preparing for virtual antiquing and expanding our online inventory in anticipation of New Hampshire’s statewide order for the closure of all non-essential businesses, now through May 4. During this time, NHAC is offering curbside pick up, delivery, shipping and free storage. New Hampshire Antique Co-op presents Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks, an exhibition and sale of modernist 20th & 21st century paintings juxtaposed alongside a collection of Oceanic and African hand-carved masks and figural carvings. The paintings in this exhibition include works by noted 20th & 21st century artists, such as New Hampshire Cubist painter Fannie Hillsmith (1911-2007), contemporary Monadnock region artist Christopher Myott (b. 1982), Peterborough based artist Nora Spicer Unwin (1907-1982), Mazhar Akyut (1911-2001, Turkish), Timothy Sanchez (b. 1945, American), Richard Lytle (b. 1935, American), Stephen Trefonides (b. 1926, American), as well as works from the school of Jackson Pollock. Tribal masks and objects featured in the exhibition include works from the Baule, Pende, Senufo and Dan African tribes, as well as war and canoe prow shields from Papua New Guinea. Examples of helmet masks, hand-held masks, dance masks, buffalo and elephant masks, Sepik hooks and more are on view.
Christopher Myott (b. 1982), Box Canyon, oil on wax panel, 42”h x 41 ̋
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Mazhar Akyut (1911-2001), Bottles #3, oil on panel, 25”h x 32 ̋
This combination of abstract art and tribal works in Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks represents the influence of African tribal art on Cubist artists such as Picasso and Braque. The artists of the early 20th century were inspired by the bold abstract designs that they discovered in African tribal masks. They collected and used these works of art to influence their own styles of Cubism. Since abstract art does not attempt to capture an accurate depiction of visual reality, it instead uses shape, color, form and gestural marks to achieve its goal. In effect, Cubist artists were sparked by African culture to refresh the tradition of figure painting in Western Art and to move toward total abstraction. Tribal masks have been used in African rituals and ceremonies for centuries, likely originating from the Paleolithic era. African tribal artists who made masks were highly respected in their societies and given special status. It is considered an honor to wear masks and only a few select members of a tribe are allowed to wear them—usually men or elders. Making masks required artistic skill as well as knowledge of the spiritual world. Masks were believed to represent the spirits of animals or ancestors and the individual who wore the mask transformed into the spirit. Designed with human or animal characteristics or a mixture of both, tribal masks are typically made of wood, metals, fabric and stone, and are often embellished with seashells, animal hair, feathers, straw, horn, and teeth. The most common uses for masks were in tribal dances during harvest festivals, in processions to honor distinguished visitors, at the funerals of important figures, for war and aggression against enemies, and for other ceremonial and sacred traditions.
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African Igbo tribe helmet mask, hand carved wood, 21”h x 11”w x 13”d
Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks will be on view through May 31, 2020 in the Tower Gallery and accessible after we reopen at New Hampshire Antique Co-op. New Hampshire Antique Co-op is a destination shop for fine art, period furniture, folk art, Americana, silver, collectibles, porcelain, jewelry, books, vintage decor, unique antique finds and more. NHAC is one of the largest group antique shops in the state. Established in 1983 by the Hackler family, the shop features more than 200 dealers and 2,000 consignors. The shop is located at 323 Elm Street in Milford, New Hampshire, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call (603) 6738499 or visit online at www.nhantiquecoop.com or www.facebook.com/nhantiquecoop. New Hampshire Antique Co-op 323 Elm Street | PO Box 732 | Milford NH 03055 603.673.8499 | rebecca@nhantiquecoop.com nhantiquecoop.com | Facebook | Instagram
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Congregational Church Stays Connected During the suspension of in-person activities in light of the Covid-19 situation, the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC has a variety of ways for members and others to connect with church programs. This is especially important during April as Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon. The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website. The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith. Jackie Marshall, Good Citizen Awards Chair; Kaitlin LoVerme, Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative High School; Georgia Jones, Souhegan Cooperative High School; Brennan Parker, Milford High School; Karen Blood, Chapter Regent. Captain Josiah Crosby Chapter DAR Good Citizens Award Luncheon. (Courtesy photo)
YMCA of Greater Nashua’s “Beyond Our Souhegan High School Senior Receives DAR Walls” Virtual Programming Initiative Good Citizens Award Keeps the Community Engaged AMHERST, NH - Three area high school students from Mont Vernon, Milford, and Wilton received the “Good Citizens” Award by the Captain Josiah Crosby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at a luncheon given in their honor on February 15. The students, all high school seniors, represented their schools in a proctored Good Citizens Essay contest in the fall. “You and your peers are our nation’s leaders of tomorrow. How would you energize America’s youth to fully engage as effective citizens? Why is that important,” was the question students had to answer in their essays. The winning students include: Georgia Jones, Souhegan Cooperative High School; Kaitlin LoVerme, Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative High School; and Brennan Parker, Milford High School. Each award recipient receives a blue and gold DAR “Good Citizens” pin, wallet card and certificate, and an unspecified monetary gift. Kaitlin LoVerme’s essay has advanced to the state competition and was recognized by the NH state DAR, and Governor Chris Sununu at a luncheon on March 6th. The Good Citizens Award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The contest is open to senior high students enrolled in accredited public or private schools.
While the branches of the YMCA of Greater Nashua are closed, the Y wants to keep our community active. We’ve launched a “BEYOND OUR WALLS” web page so that everyone can stay active and engaged with virtual programming. The mission of the Y is bigger than a building! Every day the Y works to ensure kids have a safe place to go and food to eat, that older adults have a place to socialize, stay active and not be negatively impacted by isolation and loneliness, that everyone in our community has access to a place where they can connect and stay healthy. That’s why it’s so important in uncertain times like these that incredible members stay with us – to help us in our quest to continue to do good in the community. Each person’s relationship with the Y is what keeps us going, keeps us strong and keeps us in service to those who need it most. We thank our members for that and want to let you know how we intend to continue connecting over the next few weeks, despite our buildings being closed. We will also share information through our website (www.nmymca.org) and our social media of other responses to community need, like our recent American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Nashua YMCA. Here, you will find a set of virtual tools, open-air resources, and information you can put to use while we all comply with public health efforts. It’s our way of helping you to stay active, healthy and connected in your own home, and in your own time. We will be updating new things to do, cook and try over the next several weeks so be sure to check in. Click here to stay connected: https://nmymca.org/beyond-our-walls/
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Mont Vernon Takes Action Against Covid-19 Due to COVID-19 the Town of Mont Vernon will be taking appropriate and aggressive action to reduce the transmission of COV-19 in our community. !ese di"cult decisions are based on recommendations from the CDC, DHHS, and Emergency Management. As part of this proactive e#ort all town buildings are closed to the public. A breakdown of temporary suspension of town services as well as current o#erings are listed below by department. Mont Vernon Daland Memorial Library
Mont Vernon Transfer Station
The library building is closed until further notice. • PLEASE DO NOT RETURN BOOKS TO THE OUTSIDE DROP BOX. We have extended all due dates, ended the charging of overdue fees, and have frozen all reserves. • All library events, programs, and meetings scheduled to take place in the library are canceled until further notice. • Online Services NH Overdrive is open for eBook and audio book borrowing. Visit https://nh.overdrive.com to start borrowing from home. • Because the situation is ever changing, they will continue to communicate with updates on our website www.dalandlibrary.com and on Facebook and Instagram. Please direct any questions to our email at dalandlibrary@comcast.net.
• • • •
Mont Vernon Fire Department • There will be no change to Emergency and Non-Emergency Service Calls • Will not being doing any inspections requiring face to face interaction. • Kevin Pomeroy not be issuing any seasonal permits until further notice but contact him with your renewal request as he is making a contact list for future permits by phone at 603-673-1823 or e-mail at seasonalpermits@montvernonnh.us. All seasonal permits from 2019 will remain valid until May 4th. • Citizens can obtain burn permits by utilizing the on-line system at https://nhdflweb.sovsportsnet.net. • For non-emergency concerns, questions, or assistance, please call the Police Department Business Line at 603-673-5610 as the Police Office or Dispatcher will contact us to call you back.
Mont Vernon Health Officer • The Health Officer is available to all townspeople and organizations for advice on health and safety matters such as guidelines for preventing disease transmission, common symptoms, disinfection methods, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and facility operations. • Contact your Primary Care Provider if you are ill • Questions about COVID-19 please call 211 • Contact the Mont Vernon Health Officer at mvhealthofficer@gmail.com or 320-8656.
Mont Vernon Police Department • Will continue to respond to emergency calls for service • It is requested that you call rather than coming to the police station lobby when possible in order to minimize exposure. The lobby is locked so call the business line at 673•-5610 or utilize the call box located outside the station. • Officers will be handling all non•-emergency calls by phone. • Fingerprinting and VIN verification services will be suspended until further notice. • Dial 911 in case of emergency • Police business line: 603-673-5610
Mont Vernon Recreation • All Town sponsored events are canceled until further notice. • Ideas and plans for alternative activities during social distancing are in the works. Please “Like” and Subscribe to the Mont Vernon Recreation Facebook page to keep informed at https://www.facebook.com/Mont-VernonRecreation-1526892337614361/ • Feel free to email MontVernonRecreation@gmail.com for more information
Mont Vernon Selectmen’s Office/ Town Hall Building • The building is locked and closed until further notice. • All business will be done via phone or by making an appointment. • Please call 603-673-6080 or through e-mail at townofmontvernon@comcast.net • For Building Inspector appointment call 603-654-2176. • For Tax Collector appointment call 603-673-6083.
Transfer station will be open its regular hours. All trash and recycling will be placed in the compactor. You can still deposit brush. Please exercise social distancing!
Mont Vernon Town Clerk • • • • •
The building is locked and closed until further notice. All business will be done via phone or by making an appointment. All renewals, dog registrations, and vitals can be completed on• line. New vehicle registration will be done by appointment. Please call 603-673-9126
Mont Vernon Welfare Department • The office is locked and closed until further notice. • All business will be done by phone or by making an appointment with the Welfare Officer. • Please call 603-673-6080.
Charitable Donations and if assistance is needed • Neighbor 2 Neighbor Mont Vernon assists needy townspeople with basic necessities. We are also working with the General Store to coordinate delivery of pre-prepared meals to seniors. Contact n2n.montvernon@gmail.com or 320-8656. • SHARE is a community organization that has served families in need for 40 years. SHARE is a central point of assistance supported by a loving, giving community that believes everyone deserves a helping hand when in need. https://www.sharenh.org/ or 603-673-9898.
Mont Vernon Town News
Update on Town Hall Restoration From the select board: After a months long process the Board of Selectmen have chosen DEW/Macmillin Construction from Keene and Catlin+Petrovick Architects to work with us on the restoration and renovation of our historic Town Hall. DEW and Michael Petrovick recently completed a very successful restoration of the Town Hall in Francestown. This is just one facet of a years-long process involving the work of many volunteers on several committees to study and create plans for the town’s historic buildings including the Daland Memorial Library, the McCollom Building and the Town Hall. Of all our historic buildings the Town Hall is the oldest, in the worst condition, and has received the least maintenance. The McCollom Building has received almost $500,000 worth of work in the last few years including $80,000 worth of windows this year which completes restoration of the building envelope. The exterior of the Daland Memorial Library was repaired and re-painted last year at no cost to the town, courtesy of the Sophia Daland Trust. We are very grateful. Design work for the new Town Hall interior layout and updated mechanical systems is ongoing. Mike Petrovick has had numerous meetings with the Board of Selectmen and the Town Office Staff to come up with a plan that meets the current and future needs of the town government and still retains the historic nature of our Town Hall. We are well aware of the many needs facing our small town and the impact any project has on our taxes. Currently we are seeing historically low interest rates on municipal bonds as well as relatively low inflation. Now is a good time to borrow money. Our Town Hall, built in 1792, is the seat of town government and something we should all be proud of. Let’s make it so.
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